Prime Minister Jeong: "Excessive Economic Contraction Due to 'Novel Coronavirus' Must Be Avoided... Ministers Should Lead Efforts to Boost Consumption" (Comprehensive)

"Unable to Agree on Important Medical Schedule... Request Prompt Processing of Bills"
"Tonight, 3rd Charter Flight Departs for China... Urging Support for Safety of Korean Residents"
"First Case of African Swine Fever in Wild Boars Outside Metropolitan Fence... Urgent Special Measures Needed"

On the 11th, cabinet members attending the Cabinet meeting held via video conference with the Sejong Government Complex at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, are listening attentively to the opening remarks by Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun on the 11th urged ministers to take the lead in boosting consumption amid concerns over economic contraction due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan pneumonia).

Presiding over the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong on the day, Prime Minister Chung said, "The novel coronavirus has dampened consumers' sentiment, causing significant difficulties for related industries such as food, lodging, and tourism," adding, "While we must maintain vigilance and thoroughly implement quarantine measures, the economy must not shrink due to excessive anxiety."

He requested, "Ministers should visit the field directly to prevent the public from becoming overly anxious and actively inform them that the government is striving to manage the current situation stably." He further urged, "I especially ask ministers to take the lead by visiting traditional markets with their staff, stopping by nearby restaurants, and local shops to help stimulate consumption." He added, "I have also planned to have lunch at a local restaurant today. I hope ministers will set an example."

Prime Minister Chung continued, "Tonight, the third chartered flight will depart for China to bring back our compatriots and their families still in Wuhan," and said, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should closely coordinate with the Chinese government to support the safe boarding of our citizens."

He also emphasized, "Once the emergency supply adjustment measures for health masks and hand sanitizers are implemented, manufacturers and sellers of masks and hand sanitizers must compulsorily report their production and inventory levels until the end of April," adding, "The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and related ministries should actively promote this on the front lines to prevent confusion and strictly take action against illegal activities."

Regarding the discovery of an African swine fever (ASF) infected wild boar in the 1.7 km area south of the Gangwon-do Hwacheon wide-area fence, Prime Minister Chung said, "This is the first case of crossing the wide-area fence, and urgent special measures are needed to prevent further spread." He requested, "The Ministry of Environment should promptly identify the infection route and devote all efforts to measures to block the eastward and southward movement of wild boars, including establishing additional barriers, thoroughly reinforcing natural boundary sections, and significantly strengthening carcass searches and captures."

He also noted, "Although the ruling and opposition parties have agreed to convene the February extraordinary session of the National Assembly, they have yet to agree on the crucial legislative schedule," explaining, "The domestic and international situation is very difficult due to the spread of the novel coronavirus. The government is mobilizing all policy tools, but many matters require legislative support." He earnestly requested once again, "I sincerely ask the National Assembly to promptly process bills considering the national economy and the people," and urged, "Ministers should personally explain the bills to ruling and opposition lawmakers and seek their cooperation to ensure successful legislation."

Meanwhile, the meeting deliberated and resolved two bills, 26 presidential decree proposals, and three general agenda items.

The 'Partial Amendment to the Act on Defense and Military Facilities Projects' stipulates that if a defense or military facility construction contractor illegally detects, collects, or leaks military secrets, the violation level will be measured and penalty points assigned to the company, which may result in disadvantages in related bids depending on the penalty points.

The 'Partial Amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Act on Protection, Support, and Commemoration Projects for Victims of Japanese Military Sexual Slavery under Japanese Colonial Rule' was also approved to expand the scope of corporations or organizations eligible for financial support from the state or local governments to promote commemorative projects related to victims of Japanese military sexual slavery.

The meeting also reviewed the 'Partial Amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the Framework Act on the Construction Industry,' which strengthens administrative measures against construction contractors who repeatedly violate their obligations.